Surrounded By Everyone I’ve Ever Loved
Dr. T. D. Worthington
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Several years ago Sherry and I started a new Christmas tradition for our family. Each year we would purchase a small tree to go in our hallway. We called it our memory tree. We began to purchase and place ornaments on the tree that would remind us of someone who touched our lives in a special way. Most of the folks honored on the tree are now with the Lord, yet they made a lasting impact upon our memory. It is always fun selecting a special ornament to symbolize someone’s life; a Christmas cow for a faithful friend who owned a dairy, a Christmas cupcake for a great cook, and a hairless Santa for a dear brother who boasted about the beauty of his bald head. We always get a live tree to remind us that these dear friends are still very much alive in Christ. The fresh smell of pine only adds to the celebration. We use old fashioned Christmas lights because we just don’t think they would approve of anything else. Garland and tinsel complete the masterpiece. The tree is always fun to decorate as it always brings back wonderful memories that time could easily erase. As we grow older it seems as if these memories are more important than ever.
Christmas has a way of stirring up memories that seem to hide during the rest of the year. Sometimes on a quiet December evening I like to sit in our living room. The tree is aglow with lights; the fireplace is bestowing its warmth, as soft Christmas music plays in the background. Sherry is at work in the kitchen, and the aroma of fresh baked cookies is in the air. I close my eyes and suddenly, in a magical moment, I feel as if I am surrounded by everyone I have ever loved. Do I hear granddad singing his favorite carols? Is that Mom baking in the kitchen? Could that be Dad bringing in the fresh cut tree he had secured to the top of the car? Do I hear our children busy wrapping the gifts they bought for each other?
There, in that quiet moment, I experience the wonderful peace that truly captures all that Christmas should be, something that can easily be lost in this hectic world. The moment is priceless.
There is a part of me that does not wish to open my tear soaked eyes because such precious moments are rare. For a fleeting moment I relived granddads excitement when opening the small gift given him by a child. I captured the look of contentment on Dad’s face when his lap was covered by a multitude of gifts from his grandchildren. I picture Mom asking me to taste the fruitcake to make sure it tasted “right” this year. I visualize our children one by one creeping down the stairs on Christmas morning. With flooding emotion I recall the many joyous Holiday seasons I have been privileged to enjoy with my darling wife. Should I dare open my eyes and clear this lump in my throat? No, I let this moment linger as I thank God for His many blessings. For this one small moment I am surrounded by everyone I have ever loved.
As I grow older I am finding it much harder to adapt to new things. I know much of the new technology is good, but I still long for the old ways, especially at Christmas. I miss the Sears catalog and looking at the large display windows of the downtown stores. I miss going to Western Auto to look at bicycles and BB guns. I miss the old fashioned dime store and the bag of warm peanuts Dad would always buy. I miss seeing everyone place their hands over their heart as the flag came by in the Christmas parade. I miss the longing gaze of a child’s eye when looking at a toy, a toy he dare not touch. Yet, the most wonderful memories were the hours spent with those you love. That’s what is really important. More memorable than any gifts I have ever received are those memories of such happy times when our family was able to be together and the house was full of fun and laughter.
Yet, for this special moment our living room is quite crowded tonight. For within this small room I sense a circle of people who God has used to help make me the person I am today. Family, friends, church members, Pastors, Deacons, co-laborers, neighbors, employers, and employees; they are all there on this cold winter’s eve. Each in their own way bringing a special warmth and glow to the season. I am strengthened by their memory. They are my forever friends. There is something peaceful when you are surrounded by everyone you have ever loved.
This encounter with the past leaves me with a stark reality; one day I will be someone’s memory. Our earthly lifespan is temporary, fleeting, and fragile. As we grow older we begin to feel our own impermanence more intensely. The fact that one day I will just be a memory to my grandchildren should give me the desire to carefully craft the legacy I will leave behind for them. My book of memories contains many pages, but one day the final chapter will be written. However, although my days of building memories are winding down, our grandchildren are just beginning to write their future memories, and I want to be included. Just as I still feel a strong cord still linking me to loved ones in Heaven, I want to be linked to them.
Perhaps on some quiet winter’s evening long after our Lord calls me home, the magic of Christmas will transport someone back in time. They will fondly recall tinsel on the tree, stockings hung by the fire, colorful packages begging to be shaken, and a sweet aroma coming from the kitchen. Then, at such a moment they will feel themselves surrounded by the warm glow of the memories of everyone they have ever loved. It will be a grand honor to know that I could be included. Oh, the priceless gift of being invited to such a wondrous event.
Perhaps this season should also make us all a bit more evangelistic. For as wonderful as our thoughts and memories of Christmas may be, they in no wise compare with the celebration our Lord has prepared for us in eternity. There, in that celestial city as the saints of God gather around the throne of our Saviour, would that not be a wonderful place to be surrounded by everyone we have ever loved? Should we not do everything in our power to make sure others know about the greatest gift ever given? Should we not remind them we only go to heaven because of another tree, that tree being the cross of Calvary? Let’s seize the opportunities this season may afford to reach those that may be ready to learn about the Christ we celebrate.